McCain to return to Senate, seek a fifth term

PHOENIX -- Sen. John McCain says he intends to seek a fifth term in the Senate in 2010 and looks forward to resuming his duties in Washington.

McCain said Tuesday that he looks back on his losing presidential campaign with pride and has made the decision to continue representing Arizona in the Senate. A formal announcement on his re-election bid will come later.

One duty that McCain says he will carry out is seeking the Senate confirmation of Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano as President-elect Barack Obama's homeland security chief should she be formally nominated as expected.

McCain says Napolitano, as a border state governor, is highly qualified for the job.

Though no potential challengers have yet stepped up, McCain says he expects a tough race in two years.